Why Dani Ceballos Struggles to Break into Real Madrid’s Starting XI
It's a question often asked by fans and critics alike: If Dani Ceballos is such a talented and skillful midfielder, why doesn't he start for Real Madrid? While it's true that Ceballos has shown his abilities on the national team U21 and in his time at Real Madrid, the competition in midfield is fierce, and the current roster is highly valued.
Current Midfield Setup at Real Madrid
The reasons why Ceballos hasn't broken into the starting XI can be found in the current lineup of midfielders at Real Madrid. Isco, Casemiro, Kroos, and James Rodriguez are all highly regarded, and each brings unique qualities to the team. For example, Isco is known for his creativity and vision, Casemiro is a rock in the defensive midfield, Kroos provides exceptional technical skill and tactical awareness, and James is versatile and energetic on the wing.
A Troubled Journey with Zidane
Under Zinedine Zidane's leadership, Ceballos struggled to gain consistent playing time. Zidane, one of the most successful managers in Madrid's history, had a particular vision for the team and didn't always see a role for Ceballos in his plans. The 2017/18 season marked Ceballos's acquisition from Real Betis, but it wasn't until Julien Lopetegui took over that Ceballos received an experimental role.
In the 2018/19 season, Ceballos was given a chance under Santiago Solari. Solari's emphasis on high pressing and a more dynamic midfield saw Ceballos playing well in a central role. His performances in this period showcased his versatility, but also highlighted that he lacks the physical conditioning needed to compete in the center of the pitch.
U21 European Cup and Beyond
Despite these challenges, Ceballos's performances for the U21 European Cup were impressive. In the central role of the national team, he demonstrated his technical abilities and contributed significantly. However, for Real Madrid, the standards are much higher. Players like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are not just technical wizards; they are also fit, battle-hardened, and highly experienced.
Zidane's decision not to select Ceballos in the starting XI might suggest that he sees Ceballos as more suited to a rotational or substitute role. While this doesn’t diminish Ceballos's talents, it does highlight the challenges he faces in establishing himself as a first-team regular.
Future Prospects and the Arsenal Move
Recently, Ceballos was loaned to Arsenal. This move is seen as a test of Ceballos's abilities in a different league, where he might face less physical competition. The Londoners have a more lettuce-like midfield and less defensive responsibilities, which could help Ceballos to exhibit his technical skills in a less demanding environment.
Ultimately, while Ceballos still has time to develop and grow into the player that some believe he can be, his journey at Real Madrid remains challenging. His performances showcase his potential, and with more experience and conditioning, he may be able to compete at the highest level.
Keywords: Dani Ceballos, Real Madrid, Midfielder